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“Forming celestial habits and obeying Christ’s teachings are not easy,” Elder Don R. Clarke, an emeritus General Authority, told students at Brigham Young University–Idaho.

The devotional was held in the BYU–Idaho Center on May 31. During the devotional Elder Clarke gave four truths for the students to follow to help them develop celestial habits and help them on their “journey to return and live with the Father and the Son.”

1. The family is the most important organization.

The first truth Elder Clarke shared was that the “most important organization in time and eternity is the family and at the core of that organization is marriage.” Elder Clarke told students that now is the time to prepare for an eternal marriage, which is the “primary purpose” of this life. He further counseled them to include the Savior in their relationships as that is “one of the keys to a great marriage.”

2. Faith in Christ will guide you to a celestial life.

Developing faith in Christ and living a Christ-centered life was the second truth Elder Clarke shared. Developing faith is important because it opens a line of communication with heaven that “can guide you to a Christ-centered, celestial life,” he said.

3. The Holy Ghost is the greatest gift man can have.

The third truth, he taught, is that the “companionship of the Holy Ghost is the greatest gift that mortal man can enjoy.” The Holy Ghost has many roles, among which are Comforter and Teacher. “We live in a difficult world, and the Holy Ghost will help keep us safe and on the path back to the presence of the Father and the Son,” said Elder Clarke.

4. Our use of time will determine our success and happiness.

The last truth Elder Clarke gave to the students was that they should spend time on the things that matter most. Elder Clarke warned students that it is easy to spend time on things that do not matter, and many times these things become harmful. How “we use [our] time will determine our success and happiness in this life and in the life to come,” he said.

On May 31, Elder Don R. Clarke, emeritus General Authority speaks to students at BYU–Idaho. Photo by Katelyn Crompton, BYU–Idaho Photo.

Elder Don R. Clarke, emeritus General Authority, greets students after a devotional at BYU–Idaho. Photo by Michael Lewis, BYU–Idaho Photo.

Students at BYU–Idaho shake hands with Elder Don R. Clarke after a devotional assembly on May 31. Photo by Michael Lewis, BYU–Idaho Photo.

Sister Mary Anne Clarke hugs one of her granddaughters at a BYU–Idaho devotional at which her husband, Elder Don R. Clarke, emeritus General Authority, spoke. Photo by Michael Lewis, BYU–Idaho Photo.

Elder Don R. Clarke, emeritus General Authority, greets students after speaking at the BYU–Idaho Center on May 31. Photo by Michael Lewis, BYU–Idaho Photo.